This weekend, the iconic and free St Kilda Festival returns in all its glory, taking over the foreshore and beyond, to showcase the nation’s most exciting line-up of musicians.
In total, more than 70 acts will take to multiple stages for Australia’s biggest free music festival, plus roving performers and buskers will entertain throughout the precinct on 18 – 19 February.
On Saturday 18 February audiences can expect a sensational day and night of First Nations music, taking to the Main Stage and the O’Donnell Gardens Stage. The line-up features Christine Anu, a tribute to Archie Roach with his band and special guests, plus Lady Lash, Jem Cassar-Daley, Loren Ryan, Caution, Pirritu and many more.
In addition to a deadly line-up of live music, festival-goers can enjoy a 3×3 basketball competition, free face painting, art and circus workshops, an Afro dance hall workshop, performances by IOP Hip Hop Crew, free Mi Goreng samples at the Indomie tent and more family entertainment throughout the day.
On Sunday 19 February, crowds of over 400,000 people will descend on St Kilda for the traditional Big Festival Sunday. Returning in all its glory, the Main Stage overlooking the St Kilda Foreshore will feature much-loved 80s rock band Hoodoo Gurus.
Indie electro pop band Confidence Man, along with Yothu Yindi, Genesis Owusu, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, Inkrewsive, Jacoténe, DEVY and Archie Roach Foundation presents Singing Our Futures, are also featured.
Additional stages across the festival will feature the likes of The Listies, Ashwarya, THNDO, Jen Cloher, Mick Harvey, EMPRESS, JK-47, Alice Ivy, Emma Volard, Charlie Needs Braces, The Black Harrys and many more, alongside a full line-up of emerging artists performing on the New Music Stage.
There’s plenty to see and do throughout the festival, including the Yothu Yindi Culture Jam – an empowering lively and a highly participatory workshop in traditional dance, stories and language for all generations.
Ocean Couture – Recycled Headdress Workshop – Join Luna and Sarah of LunaSea Studio to create an amazing piece of wearable art.
The Plants is a site-specific musical installation that invites participants to create their own musical compositions using unique digital instruments… Plants.
St Kilda Festival’s diverse program features live Australian music, dance performances, workshops, sports demonstrations, community group activities, food and market stalls, extended business trading, roving entertainment and a dedicated family-friendly stage.
Renowned as one of Australia’s largest and longest running free music and cultural events, the Festival brings significant economic benefits to St Kilda while celebrating and promoting Australian talent.
The Festival has seen many formats since its inception more than 40 years ago, regularly attracting more than 400,000 visitors to the foreshore.
St Kilda Festival
St Kilda Foreshore and surrounds, St Kilda
Dates: Saturday 18 – Sunday 19 February 2023 (10.00am – 10.00pm)
Information: www.stkildafestival.com.au
Free – no bookings required
Image: Sunset at the Main Stage at St Kilda Festival 2019 – photo by Mackenzie Sweetnam